[sparkie]

Hi guys, both key fobs have stopped opening the doors to my E91 06 plate.

I can unlock the doors with the emergency key and gain access, alarm goes off but I wave the fob past the slot on dash and alarm stops.

BMW garage said they'd try new key at £170 ish according to guy then if that didn't work then they'd need to put car on diagnostic.

Educated answers would be appreciated

Alan.

[makkan00]

If both keys are not working then its not keys.
Especially if you put the key in the socket and alarm stops.
So move on to next thing which is diversity antenna.

[old grey steve]

With a tourer if both keys fail one thing is for sure the option of getting another key at £170 oddis not the right answer.

Tourers suffer habitually for the following.

1/ The diversity unit in the tailgate break over time there's not enough wire flexibility thereto allow the tailgate to open close with out stretching/breaking wires, we see loads on 3,5 tourers plus some 3 saloons too the wires haven't got enough play they are so thin and brittle they they break/fracture leading to all sorts of issues from no central locking to loss of some rear lights, lack of tailgate glass opening or heated rear window.

http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/E9...cable_harness/

Above is BMW's tailgate repair harness (new improved) as they are well aware of the issues customers have, we've done loads of repairs over the years on these which involves the removal of the tailgate inner trims thus exposing wires, from there you'll easily see what wires are damaged, broken and usually once repaired full normal service is resumed.

2/ the diversity unit that sits at the top of the tailgate below the plastic top spoiler can suffer from water contamination and/or broken ribbon wires to/from it again once exposed it's simple to view what's in front of you.

A diag will confirm if uncertain if the diversity is the issue but both do create the symptoms you describe.

[jammy78]

Yep, try the diversity antenna - I replaced my Dab version & the key fobs wouldn't work!

Reason, the diversity antenna wasn't screwed in tight enough... Very strange why the tightness effects it!?

Anyway, I'll try that first

[sparkie]

Great replies lads thanks, I'll get on the case tomorrow.

Yea, I wasn't going to buy another key when all I had to do is wave it in front of slot and alarm stopped.

I had an issue with my tail gate in the summer. The spring on the hinge unscrewed itself and I couldn't get it up (oo-er) past a foot or so. After lots of effort got access to get it sorted. I think I was in this area to maybe have started the process to have the damage slowly progress.

I'll keep you guys posted....